The
second national park, Skaftafell., established in 1967
(400-500 square kilometres), contains some of the most precious
natural pearls of the country. The rugged landscapes, mountains
and glaciers, the flora and the fauna have a magnetic influence on the
visitors.

In 1984, it was increased in
area (1736 square kilometres) including a considerable part of Glacier
Vatnajokull. In November 2004 the area of the park was still
increased to 4,807 square kilometres. It now comprises the Laki
Area as well as about half of Euorpe's largest icecap, Vatnajokull.There are no roads in the park, but a
network oftrails offers the opportunity for
differently extended hikes. The camping grounds are large but it is
difficult to hammer the tent pegs into the gravel surface. Among the
services rendered in the park are toilets, washing machines, a
restaurant, a small shop and a very interesting Visitors Centre.
The park wardens offer regular guided walking tours and daily
bus tours tours from the park to the volcanic Laki area
and Jokulsarlon as well as the daily schedule. A comprehensive brochure with maps and hiking trails is
available at the Visitors' Centre. The distance from the capital
is about 340 km.